BEAVERTON, Oregon (August 2006) -- Yakima, an innovator in vehicle racks for boats, bikes and winter sports gear, home storage and cargo boxes, is introducing the next generation of top-of-car gear transport solutions for the outdoor enthusiast at Outdoor Retailer Summer Market. The HighRoller Upright Bike Mount, fitting a wide spectrum of wheel sizes, leads the line, in addition to the new Locking EZ Rider Tower with increased height to accommodate a variety of roof lines. Paddling enthusiasts will see significant upgrades to boat accessories with bow and stern tie-downs for Yakima’s popular HullRaiser Aero, HullRaiser, KayakStacker, HullyRoller and Mako Saddles.

“We are all about providing solutions enabling consumers passionate about their outdoor pursuit to get to their destination and easily unload their gear,” said Mike Steck, senior marketing director at Yakima. “Whether it’s mounting a bike for a favorite single track, or a weekend of whitewater or touring paddling, our products get it done. The top-of-car line we are introducing is sleek, quiet, durable, functional and easy to use. As always, we have paid attention to the most minute detail, the result of which is solid performance where it counts.”

HighRoller – Upright Bike Mount “Our proprietary design language in the HighRoller sets this product apart from any other bike mount on the market today,” continued Steck. “The esthetics and functionality outperform the competition. -more-True to the upright mount category, not having to take off the front tire is a big advantage for quicker and easier loading compared to traditional fork mounts. In addition, it folds down when not in use for less noise and drag.”

A quick squeeze of a button adjusts the mount for different wheel sizes ranging from one inch to three inches, and a single knob is used for securing the bicycle with a quick release. A wheel tray slides in an independent channel to carry long or short bikes with no tools required for assembly. The bike mount comes equipped with a SKS cable lock for worry free security. A double-sided wheel strap enables use on either side of the vehicle. (MSRP: $169.00)

Locking EZ Rider Tower and Roundbar Endcaps with Big PersonalityA new Locking EZ Rider Tower has a dual claw design that fits securely onto the side rail; a low profile, sleek look and is lockable with SKS cores. This tower fits a broad range of factory racks including the Chevy Tahoe Z71, and Suburban Z71, the Subaru Forester, the Cadillac Escalade and the Mitsubishi Endeavor. MSRP is $140.00.

“Yakima has long believed in having fun with its products,” continued Steck. “Our customers are free spirits and are chomping at the bit to get outside and play. They want to do it their way. Our Chrome Skull endcap accessories are all about this attitude.”

Caps are sold in sets of four. The MSRP for a set of four is $20.00.

Security for PaddlerYakima has strengthened its boat accessory line by including bow and stern tie-downs with its HullRaiser Aero (MSRP $130.00), HullRaiser (MSRP $100), KayakStacker (MSRP $100.00), HullyRoller (MSRP $80.00) and Mako Saddles (MSRP $65.00). These bow and stern tie-downs have an easy-to-rachet pulley for ease of use and added piece of mind and are corrosion resistant.

ABOUT YAKIMA: Yakima is a world leader in the design and manufacture of destination hardware and gear management solutions. Yakima’s products include vehicle racks for bikes, boats, ski equipment and gear; a line of cargo boxes and bags for a variety of needs; and Ground Control, an integrated gear management system for the home. Yakima Products is headquartered in Beaverton, Oregon. For more information, visit www.yakima.com.